Q
What is the Cisco Industrial Ethernet 4000 Series Switch?
A
The Cisco IE 4000 Series Switch is a ruggedized industrial Ethernet switch family delivering enterprise-grade Layer 2/3 performance, Cisco IOS XE software, and hardened construction for harsh factory and outdoor environments.
Q
What port densities and form factors are available in the IE 4000 Series?
A
The IE 4000 Series offers models with 8, 16, 24, or 48 RJ-45 ports plus 1–4 SFP/SFP+ uplinks in compact DIN-rail and panel-mount enclosures to fit diverse installation needs.
Q
Does the Cisco IE 4000 Series support PoE/PoE+ and what is the power budget?
A
Yes. Select IE 4000 models deliver PoE/PoE+ (IEEE 802.3af/at) with up to 30W per port and a total PoE budget up to 740W to power cameras, sensors, and wireless access points.
Q
What operating temperature and environmental ratings apply to IE 4000 Switches?
A
Cisco IE 4000 Switches operate in –40°C to +75°C ambient temperatures, meet IP30 ingress protection, and comply with shock/vibration standards (IEC 60068) for reliable industrial deployment.
Q
Which network redundancy protocols are supported by the IE 4000 Series?
A
The switches support Cisco FlexLink, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP/MSTP), High-Speed Redundancy Protocol (HSRP), Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP), and IEEE 802.1w to ensure sub-50ms failover.
Q
How can I manage and monitor Cisco IE 4000 Switches?
A
Manage via Cisco IOS XE CLI, SNMPv2/v3, NetConf/YANG, Web User Interface, Cisco DNA Center, and Cisco Industrial Network Director for zero-touch provisioning and centralized visibility.
Q
Are IE 4000 Switches powered by Cisco IOS XE?
A
Yes. Cisco IE 4000 Switches run Cisco IOS XE which provides advanced Layer 2/3 routing, Quality of Service (QoS), Security, and automation features consistent with enterprise-grade deployments.
Q
What security features do the IE 4000 Switches include?
A
They deliver role-based access control, 802.1X port-based authentication, MACsec encryption, DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, ACLs, and Secure Boot for robust industrial security.
Q
What is the MTBF and reliability rating for Cisco IE 4000 Switches?
A
Cisco IE 4000 Switches have an MTBF exceeding 350,000 hours and are engineered with rugged components, redundant power options, and conformal coating to maximize uptime in industrial environments.
Q
Which industrial certifications and standards do they meet?
A
The IE 4000 Series is certified to IEC 61850-3, IEEE 1613 for utilities, CE, UL/CSA, ATEX, and RoHS, ensuring compliance with industrial automation and process-control requirements.
Q
What mounting options are available for IE 4000 Switches?
A
Switches support DIN-rail and panel mounting, with captive screws, metal enclosures, and optional mounting kits for secure installation in cabinets, control panels, or on walls.
Q
Can IE 4000 Switches support Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)?
A
Yes. Certain IE 4000 models include TSN features like IEEE 802.1AS time synchronization and 802.1Qbv scheduled traffic for deterministic, low-latency industrial Ethernet.
Q
Is stacking or cascading supported on the IE 4000 Series?
A
While IE 4000 Switches do not support StackWise, they can be cascaded via high-speed SFP/SFP+ uplinks and managed as a single domain for simplified topology and redundancy.
Q
How are firmware upgrades performed on Cisco IE 4000 Switches?
A
Firmware upgrades use Cisco IOS XE images via TFTP, FTP, USB, or Smart Install. In-field upgrade capabilities enable non-disruptive updates with rollback options for high availability.
Q
What warranty and support options are available for IE 4000 Switches?
A
Cisco IE 4000 Switches include a 5-year limited hardware warranty. Optional Cisco Smart Net Total Care provides 24/7 access to TAC, advanced hardware replacement, and software updates.
Q
How do I select the right IE 4000 model for my application?
A
Assess port count, PoE budget, environmental needs, redundancy protocols, and TSN requirements. Use Cisco’s product selector tool or consult a Cisco partner for tailored recommendations.